Is Catawba, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Catawba, NC — Water Quality Report
Catawba's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,181 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Catawba's water
Catawba ranks #37 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Catawba may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Catawba, NC water safe to drink?
Catawba's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,181 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Catawba
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Catawba's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Catawba's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Catawba's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Catawba County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Catawba River, Upper Little R, Middle Little R, Henry Fork.
Where does Catawba's water come from?
Catawba's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,181 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Catawba River (river), Upper Little R (river), Middle Little R (river), Henry Fork (river).
What Catawba residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Catawba's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Catawba's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Catawba
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Catawba, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,747 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS LLC - MARSHALL STEAM STATION TERRELL, NC28682 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 2,685 | 9.8 mi |
COMMSCOPE INC-CLAREMONT NC FACILITY CLAREMONT, NC28610 | Zinc compounds | 43 | 3.7 mi |
KEYSTONE POWDERED METAL CO TROUTMAN, NC28166 | Copper | 14 | 10.0 mi |
HUNTINGTON ALLOYS CORP SPECIAL METALS WELDING PRODUCTS NEWTON, NC28658 | Nickel | 5 | 7.6 mi |
COMMSCOPE INC (CATAWBA FACILITY) CATAWBA, NC28609 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Catawba
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SIGMON S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE5.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCatawba County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Catawba County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Catawba compares by contaminant
Explore where Catawba ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Catawba's water comes from
Catawba's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,181 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Catawba
Catawba is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Catawba
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATAWBA, TOWN OF | NC0118040 | 1,181 | SWP |
How Catawba compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Catawba's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Catawba, NC
Wikipedia →Hickory is a city in western North Carolina primarily located in Catawba County. The 25th most populous city in the state, it is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Charlotte.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Catawba's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Catawba
Frequently asked questions
Is Catawba, NC tap water safe to drink?
Catawba's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Catawba's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Catawba's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Catawba?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Catawba's water come from?
Catawba's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,181 residents.
What health violations has Catawba's water system had?
Catawba has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2007. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Catawba's water compare to other cities?
Catawba ranks #37 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 91% of state cities) and #3602 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Catawba's small water system affect quality?
Catawba's system serves approximately 1,181 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 7 violations on record.